When you are happy and contented there is usually less reason to be anxious. If your bills are paid, you have a loving family and enjoy your job; it s easier to have a calm mind. This just makes sense, with less to worry about, there are fewer thought threads that can lead to panic attacks, generalized anxiety or other problems.

Of course, few people have such a perfect life, that s really for fairy tales. However, many people can find contentment, happiness and gratitude for what they have which will lead to a more positive mindset and that s key when you re fighting anxiety.

In today s consumer oriented culture, most of us value our self worth by what we have. How big our house is, how many cars we have, where our kids go to school have all become paramount concerns and sources for bragging rights. When we fall short of our neighbors, friends or families, we feel inadequate.

This mindset is what drove so many consumers into horrendous debt. Keeping up with Joneses have left American families and American adults feeling worn out and inadequate. It s no wonder that anxiety based conditions are at an all time high. How could you not be anxious with such pressure and the mounting burden of bills, debt and expectations I m exhausted just writing about it, let alone living it.

When times get hard, as they have now, it actually forces us to examine our lives and our priorities. For many people, it is time to experience and revel in the simple pleasures again. While the employment and financial situations may be stressful, it is a great time to reconnect with family and friends and find a deeper meaning in your life than simply the 200 dollar pair of jeans or the Juicy jumpsuit.

So take a moment to appreciate what you have and be grateful for it. When you start to focus on what you have, rather than what you don t have or wish you had, you will find there are so many reasons to be happy. With appreciation and happiness come better mental thoughts, ones that are less likely to run wild into anxiety territory.

The great thing about gratitude, is that it can put you in a better mood quickly, ease troubled thoughts and can be practiced anywhere, at anytime. You can take a breather and think about the good things in your life in your car, at your desk, in your favorite recliner, or before you drift off to sleep.

It s important that you focus on the object of your gratitude, whether it is a situation, an experience, a person or a thing. Focus on why you re grateful and what has been brought to your life by the object of your gratitude.

Regardless of when and where you take a moment for an act of gratitude, your heart and mind will feel better and you will find your anxiety burden greatly decreased and your attacks far less frequent. This is a simple, easy thing that anyone can do, anyone can find time for, and anyone can benefit from.

The last thing most people who suffer from depression want to do is exercise. The dark hole of depression can make even getting out of bed everyday a seemingly impossible task. If you suffer from depression it is imperative that you see your doctor or a therapist first, but don’t be surprised if they prescribe some sort of exercise regimen for you to follow in addition to some of the more normal treatments for depression. Now as hard as it may seem to get out and start exercising when you are depressed there are some real benefits to be had. 1. Improves your confidence. As you get in better shape you will gain more confidence in yourself and your ability to meet your goals. 2. Increases your self-esteem. Exercise will improve your appearance and your sense of self worth. It will also improve your health and vitality. 3. A distraction. Having a set schedule for your exercise routine, no matter what it is, gives you something to look forward to and can help take your mind off of your problems. 4. Stress relief. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and frustration. 5. Getting out. Exercising allows you to get out and interact with other people, whether at the gym or just greeting people during your nightly walk. 6. Good coping strategy. Exercise is beneficial to anyone who does it. It is a positive way to deal with depression, anxiety or stress because you will benefit in the long run from it. An important thing to remember is that as hard as it may seem to start exercising when you are depressed is that if you can get started the benefits will far outweigh any negative thoughts you may have about doing it. And once you get going don’t give up. Once you’ve decided to start exercising make sure you don’t over do it. Because nothing will cause you to loose all interest more than a sore and broken body. Here are some general guidelines to consider before you start your exercise program. 1. Talk to your doctor or therapist first. They can help guide you and refer you to someone who can help you set up an exercise program that’s right for you. 2. Set simple goals. Exercise should be fun and make you feel good. Don’t approach it like you are training for the Olympics. Start easy and build from there. 3. Go with what you enjoy. If you have worked out in the past and enjoyed what you were doing start with that again. For some people just simply going for a walk is enjoyable for them. 4. Find a workout buddy. Exercising with a friend is great for helping lift your mood. It gives you someone to talk to and enjoy your work-out with. 5. Go outside. Getting out in the fresh air and sun is always a good way to improve your mood. Even if you work-out in a gym, take the time to go for a walks a couple of times a week. 6. Don’t let set backs get you down. Some days you may not be able to get in your exercise. Don’t let that bother you, it happens to everyone. Keep at it and you will see your growth. Using exercise as a treatment for depression is a growing trend. But you should always consult your doctor or therapist if you are feeling depressed or exhibit the symptoms of depression. Embarking on an exercise program on your own is not the right thing to do. It should be used in conjunction with other treatments such as medication and therapy. Taken together with these other therapies, exercise can be a great way to help battle your depression.